Is Stubb's, liquid smoke, hickory Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing liquid smoke for gluten content, the primary suspect is usually the flavor carrier. Many brands use hydrolyzed vegetable protein or standard soy sauce, both of which can contain wheat. However, Stubb's takes a different approach here.

The first ingredient after water is natural hickory smoke, which is inherently gluten-free. The critical ingredient to watch is the organic tamari sauce. Unlike standard soy sauce, which is fermented with wheat, tamari is a Japanese byproduct of miso that is traditionally made with little to no wheat. Stubb's specifically labels this as 'organic tamari sauce (water, organic soybeans, salt),' confirming the absence of wheat derivatives.

Furthermore, the caramel color used in this product is listed as organic. In the food industry, caramel color is sometimes processed using hydrolyzed wheat protein, but organic certification generally requires stricter sourcing that avoids gluten-containing processing aids. Combined with the organic distilled vinegar, which is safe, the entire formula passes the gluten-free standard without flags.

Nutritional Value

Liquid smoke is a condiment, meaning you typically use it in very small quantities (drops or dashes). Consequently, its nutritional impact per serving is negligible. A standard serving contains virtually zero fat and minimal calories, derived mostly from the trace amounts of cane sugar and organic tamari.

If you are monitoring your sodium intake, however, note that the salt and tamari sauce contribute to the sodium content. While it adds significant flavor without calories, those on a strict low-sodium diet should be mindful of how much they pour. Overall, it fits well into Keto, Paleo, and low-carb lifestyles due to its low sugar content.